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US Equestrian Announces Community Outreach Organizations Initiative

By US Equestrian Press Release on Jul 12, 2021 11:00 am -

US Equestrian is pleased to announce the USEF Community Outreach Organizations initiative, a new program dedicated to supporting equestrian centers and equine-based organizations. Its mission is to increase under-represented and/or under-served communities’ access to horses and horse sports. This two-phase initiative aligns with the implementation of the Community Riding Center Grants Program and Opportunity Fund strategy outlined in the Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Action Plan.

Phase 1: USEF Community Outreach Organizations Program

The first phase of this initiative is the launch of the USEF Community Outreach Organizations Program. The program offers organizations that provide equine-based learning opportunities and support the positive impact horses can have within their local communities to be featured in a directory on the USEF website and have the ability to apply for USEF Opportunity Fund grants. These organizations must meet certain standards of horse and human welfare, and they must offer their services for free or on a sliding scale of fees based on financial need. Organizations must apply and be accepted for inclusion in the USEF Community Outreach Organizations Program.

Community Outreach Organizations will gain access to numerous benefits, including free USEF Fan Memberships, access to the Interscholastic Athlete Program, and opportunities for promotion on USEF’s website and print, digital, and social media channels. USEF will also assist in connecting Community Outreach Organizations with our national network of industry professionals, officials, competition organizers, sponsors, affiliates, education partners, athletes, and members. The most notable benefit to organizations included in the Program is eligibility to submit grant requests through the USEF Opportunity Fund.

Learn more about the benefits available to organizations included in the USEF Community Outreach Organizations Program.

Phase 2: USEF Opportunity Fund

The USEF Opportunity Fund, the second phase of the DEI Action Plan’s Community Riding Center Grants Program and Opportunity Fund strategy, is a grant-making resource available exclusively to organizations listed on the Community Outreach Organizations Program directory. The fund was first announced in June 2021 and 100% of funds collected will be dedicated to supporting these community outreach organizations. Grants will be awarded through a competitive application process beginning in 2022. More information about this process will be announced later this year.

USEF is committed to supporting these organizations through grant opportunities because they encourage more people to get involved with horses and embody our vision of bringing the joy of horse sports to as many people as possible. In January 2021, the US Equestrian Board of Directors made a significant statement by voting to contribute $50,000 to kick-start the Opportunity Fund, with funds available beginning in 2022. Shop USEF contributed additional funds in June, thanks to the generous contributions of profits from the Pride Collection sales. Individuals can also make online donations here.

US Equestrian will continue fundraising for the USEF Opportunity Fund through corporate sponsorships, member donations, product purchases through the upcoming Inclusion Collection on Shop USEF, and other fundraising initiatives.

For more information about USEF Opportunity Fund sponsorship opportunities, please contact Layson Griffin, Director of Sponsorship, at [email protected].

How to Join the USEF Community Outreach Organizations Program

Interested organizations must apply to be included in the USEF Community Outreach Organizations Program using a digital application form available here beginning Thursday, July 15. Please review the eligibility requirements prior to submitting an application.

The application period will open on July 15, 2021, and close on September 15, 2021. Applications must be submitted on or before September 15, 2021. Organizations will be notified of their acceptance to the USEF Community Outreach Organizations Program by October 30, 2021.

Applicants will need to respond to questions pertaining to horse and human welfare standards, as well as provide information explaining how their program fills a gap in the horse industry for under-represented and/or under-served people in their community. Additional information about eligibility criteria is available here.

A Review Committee comprised of USEF volunteers, executive staff, and athletes will review applications quarterly to assess whether all requirements have been met before organizations are accepted into the Program. The next application period will open on November 15, 2021.

The digital application form will be available here beginning July 15, 2021.

Please review the eligibility requirements prior to submitting an application. Screen-reader-friendly version is available here.

Please direct any questions about the Community Outreach Organizations initiative and application process to Ashley Swift, Affiliate and Communications Specialist, at [email protected].

Resources

USEF Community Outreach Organizations Program
USEF Opportunity Fund
Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Action Plan
Shop USEF

Your Tokyo Olympics Quick Facts from the FEI

By US Equestrian Press Release on Jul 10, 2021 10:30 am -

Baji Koen Equestrian Park which will be home to equestrian sport during the Tokyo 2020 Olympic Games.

Before the action even begins the Tokyo 2020 Olympic Games are already unforgettable. Running a year later than scheduled and with multiple challenges along the way, the best of the best are now putting in their final preparations ahead of the Opening Ceremony on July 23, 2021.

It has been a difficult lead-in period, with so many interruptions due to the pandemic that has affected the entire world and the Equine Herpes Virus (EHV-1) impacting Mainland Europe. Then this week’s news that there will be no spectators at any of the venues in order to ensure safe and secure Games. But the statistics for equestrian sport are more impressive than ever, with a record number of countries fielding teams and individuals in the three disciplines of Dressage, Eventing and Jumping.

The Tokyo 2020 sport entries (FEI Definite Entries) reveal that the flags of 50 nations will fly high during two weeks of spectacular sport. A total of 200 athlete-and-horse combinations are listed, along with an additional 48 Alternate/Reserves.

Formats

The new three-member format has changed the dynamic of the team competitions. Not only is the pressure more intense as each individual performance will count for so much, but it has also opened the door for many more countries to take part.

At the Rio 2016 Olympic Games a total of 27 nations lined out in Jumping, with 15 of those sending teams, while this time 20 teams and individuals from a further 15 countries will take part to boost the number of National Olympic Committees (NOC) represented in Tokyo to 35. In Eventing the number of participating countries has increased from 24 to 29, with 15 teams compared to 13 in Rio, and in Dressage the numbers jump from 25 to 30 nations and from 11 teams to 15.

Centered

The equestrian events of the Tokyo 2020 Olympic Games will be principally centered at Baji Koen Equestrian Park in Setagaya. This is a public park owned by the Japan Racing Association, which was also the venue for Dressage at the Tokyo 1964 Olympic Games.

Back then Eventing was staged in Karuizawa and Jumping took place at the National Olympic Stadium. For the Tokyo 2020 Olympic Games, the fully refurbished Baji Koen will host Dressage, Jumping and two of the three phases of Eventing.

Course designer, Derek di Grazia (USA), has spent the last five years creating the Eventing Cross Country course on what was previously a landfill site at the waterfront at Sea Forest with a stunning backdrop of Tokyo Bay and the city. Equestrian shares the venue, which will become a public park after the Games, with Olympic rowing and canoeing.

The Games of the XXXll Olympiad promise to be like nothing that has gone before and equestrian sport is already breaking records.

EQUESTRIAN SPORT IN THE OLYMPIC MOVEMENT

Equestrian sport has been part of the Olympic Games since 1912.
Team and individual medals are awarded in three disciplines – Dressage, Eventing and Jumping.
A three-per-team format applies for the equestrian events at the Tokyo 2020 Olympic Games.
In Tokyo 1964 Jumping and Dressage teams consisted of three athlete/horse combinations but there were four on Eventing teams.
Canada’s Ian Millar holds the record – 10 – for the most Olympic appearances by any athlete in any sport. He first competed at the Munich Olympics in 1972 and his last Olympic appearance was at London 2012 at the age of 65. He won team silver at the Beijing Games in 2008.
German teams claimed gold in both Jumping and Dressage at the Tokyo Olympic Games in 1964 while Italy clinched the Eventing team title.
French star, Pierre Jonqueres d’Oriola, won individual Jumping gold with Lutteur B, Switzerland’s Henri Chammartin and Woerman took the individual Dressage title and Italy’s Mauro Checcoli and Surbean were the individual Eventing gold medallists.
At the Rio 2016 Olympic Games, France won team gold in both Jumping and Eventing, while Germany took the Dressage team title for the 13th time.
Great Britain took individual gold in Jumping – Nick Skelton with Big Star – and in Dressage – Charlotte Dujardin with Valegro.
Individual gold in Eventing went to Germany’s Michael Jung with Biosthetique Sam.

Tokyo 2020 equestrian statistics:

Jumping: 35 countries, 20 teams, 75 horse/athlete combinations
Eventing: 29 countries, 15 teams, 65 horse/athlete combinations
Dressage: 30 countries, 15 teams, 60 horse/athlete combinations
The Tokyo 2020 sport entries (FEI Definite Entries) also include additional reserve horses and riders.
The 50 NOCs represented in equestrian sport at the Tokyo 2020 Olympic Games are:
- Argentina, Australia, Austria, Belarus, Belgium, Brazil, Canada, Chile, China, Colombia, Czech Republic, Denmark, Dominican Republic, Ecuador, Egypt, Estonia, Finland, France, Great Britain, Germany, Hong Kong, India, Ireland, Israel, Italy, Japan, Jordan, Korea, Latvia, Luxembourg, Mauritius, Mexico, Netherlands, New Zealand, Norway, Poland, Portugal, Puerto Rico, Republic of South Africa, ROC, Singapore, Spain, Sri Lanka, Sweden, Switzerland, Syria, Thailand, Taipei, Ukraine and USA.

US Equestrian Announces Eventing Substitution for Tokyo 2020

By US Equestrian Press Release on Jul 7, 2021 11:28 am -

Graphic via US Equestrian.

US Equestrian has announced a substitution to the U.S. Eventing Olympic Team ahead of the Olympic Games Tokyo 2020. Deniro Z, a 13-year-old KPWN gelding ridden by Elisabeth Halliday-Sharp (Lexington, Ky.) and owned by Ocala Horse Properties, has been withdrawn from the team and will be replaced by Doug Payne (Aiken, S.C.) and Vandiver, a 17-year-old Trakehner gelding owned by Debi Crowley, Doug Payne, and Jessica Payne.

Following pre-travel horse evaluations, veterinary concerns prompted additional diagnostic testing of Deniro Z prior to the team’s departure to Europe for Pre-Export Quarantine. Following a thorough review of the testing results, it was determined it is in the best interest of the horse to be withdrawn from the team after confirming he has sustained an injury. He is expected to make a full recovery.

Tamra Smith (Murrieta, Calif.) and Mai Baum, a 15-year-old German Sport Horse gelding owned by Alexandra Ahearn, Ellen Ahearn, and Eric Markell will be moved into the traveling reserve position.

Will Faudree (Southern Pines, N.C.) and Mama’s Magic Way, a 10-year-old Hanoverian gelding owned by Jennifer Mosing and Sterling Silver Stables will become the first alternates, and Will Coleman (Gordonsville, Va.) and Off The Record, a 12-year-old Irish Sport Horse gelding owned by the Off The Record Syndicate, will now travel to Pre-Export Quarantine in Aachen, Germany as the second alternate combination.

Further information regarding the U.S. Eventing Olympic Team selection process can be found on USEF.org. All nominations to the 2020 U.S. Olympic Team are subject to approval by the United States Olympic and Paralympic Committee.

Thomas Heffernan Ho Will Represent Hong Kong at Tokyo Olympics

By US Equestrian Press Release on Jul 1, 2021 11:00 am -

Graphic courtesy of the Hong Kong Equestrian Federation.

Upon the deadline for achieving the Olympic Games Minimum Eligibility Requirement (MER) on Monday 21 June 2021, the HKEF is delighted to confirm that eventing rider Thomas Heffernan Ho, who has earned the qualifying result to Olympics Eventing Individual, will be the representative for Equestrian to the Tokyo 2020 Olympic Games.

Thomas also earned the first-ever Eventing Individual slot for Hong Kong back in 2020 by ranking the second regionally after India. Thomas and his long-term partner Tayberry has achieved the first full MER at Strzegom CCI4*-L and Arville CCI4*-S in 2019. Under the FEI requirement for the postponed Olympics, the combination further earned the confirmation result at Sopot CCI4*-S last September, and thus a full qualification to the Olympics.

With impressive achievement and being the only eventing rider in Hong Kong qualifying for the Olympics level, Thomas was selected the Hong Kong representative and will be competing with his horse Tayberry at Sea Forest Cross-Country Course and Baji Koen Equestrian Park from 30 July to 2 August.

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by Thomas Heffernan Ho (@thomasho4)

On top of the first eventing representative, Hong Kong is also sending the first-ever Para Dressage team to the Paralympic Games. Based on the top six international results obtained before 31 January 2020, Hong Kong riders Timothy Tsang Tin-chi and Natasha Tse Pui-ting ranked among the top three on the FEI Paralympic Individual Asia Region Ranking List and attained the maximum of two slots available. Fleur Schrader, who received a Bipartite Commission Invitation with outstanding results, will be joining Timothy and Natasha to Tokyo.

With Hong Kong obtaining three individual slots and all athletes fulfilling the required criteria to form a team, it is exciting to see the first Para Dressage team to the Paralympics, marking the milestone of equestrian sport in Hong Kong. The Paralympic equestrian events are going to be held at Baji Koen Equestrian Park shortly after the Olympics from 26 to 30 August.

The HKEF would like to congratulate all riders for their achievements and we invite all to wish them the best of luck in Tokyo this summer.

Equestrian Sports New Zealand Names Tokyo Olympic Eventing Team

By US Equestrian Press Release on Jun 28, 2021 2:30 pm -

Jonelle Price and Grovine de Reve. Photo by Shelby Allen.

Tim and Jonelle Price spearhead the New Zealand eventing team for the Tokyo Olympic Games. The couple, who sit at two and seven respectively on the world rankings, will be joined by Games debutant Jesse Campbell from the Waikato. New Zealand-based Bundy Philpott is the travelling reserve rider.

The Prices enter the Games in solid form. The pair have, between them, been on the podiums of the Northern Hemisphere’s top 5* events, including Badminton, Burghley, Kentucky, Pau and Luhmuhlen. It is their second consecutive Olympic Games together.

Meanwhile, Campbell, who grew up being inspired by New Zealand’s eventing superstars, says it has been a lifetime goal to go to the Olympic Games. “The New Zealand eventing team has an incredible legacy and it is really exciting to be adding my own chapter to it,” he said. “I really hope I can do it proud.”

With the team naming box now “ticked”, it was time to focus on getting a medal. “The real work steps up another level as we get ready to compete at Tokyo.”

Tim Price and Vitali. Photo by Tilly Berendt.

Jonelle was the reserve for Athens (2004) and rode at London (2012), where the team won bronze, with both she and Tim on the team for Rio (2016) – the first time a couple represented New Zealand in eventing at the Olympic Games. Jonelle is excited to be named aboard Grovine de Reve, a horse which has continued to impress. “Grovine de Reve has gone from strength to strength in the time we have had him,” she said.

“It doesn’t always work out that you have a horse whose age and stage truly aligns with a championship, but I really believe it does for this guy. The postponement probably worked in his favour.” The combination had recorded two 5* runs, consolidating his form at the highest level.

Tim Price is “thrilled” to be included in the team and also feels his mount is in good form. “Vitali is just the right sort of horse for this kind of competition – athletic, fast and honest. He has been beautifully produced by Jock Paget and later by James Avery so is a real Kiwi community horse,” said Tim.

ESNZ high performance general manager Jock Paget, a team bronze medallist from the London Olympic Games, extended huge congratulations to all the riders, grooms, owners and wider team. “It is a massive team effort and there are so many critical pieces of the puzzle that have to come together at the highest standard to achieve this,” said Jock.

Jesse Campbell and Diachello. Photo by Shelby Allen.

“It is great to see Tim and Jonelle in the team and exciting to see some well-deserved new faces in the line-up which shows strength in the programme and signs of growing depth. Hats off to the high performance team led by Graeme Thom – it has been a mammoth effort from everyone. The relentless skill and determination to properly prepare for these Games amongst all the barriers in place was exceptional.”

New Zealand Olympic Committee CEO Kereyn Smith extended her congratulations to the athletes. “We’re thrilled to have Tim and Jonelle back in the team and it’s great to have a talented young rider Jesse joining us for his first Games,” said Smith.

“We have a proud eventing legacy at the Olympic Games and I have no doubt this team will be adding another fantastic chapter to that history in a month’s time in Tokyo.”

Sir Mark Todd and the mighty Charisma won New Zealand’s first Olympic equestrian medal with an individual gold at Los Angeles (1984), which he backed up in Seoul (1988) with another individual gold, while the team won bronze. In Barcelona (1992) the team won silver with Blyth Tait winning individual bronze aboard Messiah. The team won bronze at Atlanta (1996) with Blyth aboard Ready Teddy and Sally Clark aboard Squirrel Hill taking gold and silver respectively.

Sir Mark won an individual bronze in Sydney (2000), and then London’s team bronze the latest medal. The team came tantalising close to the podium in Rio (2016) but had to settle for fourth.

Amanda Pottinger on Just Kidding and James Avery on Mr Sneezy have been named as non travelling reserves.

New Zealand will also be represented by an already-announced showjumping team at Tokyo

Team:
• Tim Price and Vitali owned by Joe and Alex Giannamore and Tim Price
• Jonelle Price and Grovine de Reve owned by Therese Miller and Jonelle Price
• Jesse Campbell and Diachello owned by Kent Gardner and Jesse Campbell

Traveling Alternate:
• Bundy Philpott and Tresca NZPH owned by Brian and Bundy Philpott

Non-Travelling Reserve:
• Amanda Pottinger and Just Kidding owned by the Pottinger family
• James Avery and Mr Sneezy owned by Tiny Clapham, Heidi and Ian Woodhead and James Avery

Photo Gallery: Team Germany Snags Nations Cup at LOTTO Strzegom Horse Trials

By US Equestrian Press Release on Jun 27, 2021 11:00 am -

The German team was the best in the second leg of the FEI Eventing Nations Cup in Strzegom. Second place went to the home squad and third to Belgium.

The German riders took the lead in the showjumping, besting the Polish team that was in the first position after dressage and cross-country. Josefa Sommer with GEKE Equigrip’s Simple Smile was the best of the team riders and she stood on the podium alongside Elena Otto-Erley with Finest Fellow, Katharina Tietz with Aspen T and Nadine Marzahl with Victoria 108. The individual winner of the class was another German rider Jule Wewer aboard Ruling Spirit. Even after two knockdowns in the jumping her lead after the XC was big enough to secure her victory. Second place went to India’s Fouaad Mirza with Dajara 4.

“I think it was a big course. I have a good jumping mare, but I’m not such a good pilot, so I had one down, but the team was so good that we could win. I’m very happy that we had an all-girls team and it was a lot of fun.” – said Josefa Sommer from team Germany.

The home nation that kept their dressage lead throughout the cross country made some mistakes on today’s course and finished in the second place. The best result belonged to Mateusz Kiempa with Lassban Radovix, whose clear round placed him in the third position individually.

“Lassban jumped great. I’m very pleased with him and we had a good result. As a team we lost the lead, but I think that we should be really happy with ourselves, it’s a historic result for Poland and the highest we ever ranked in a Nations Cup.” – said Kiempa.

Third place went to the Belgian team, who jumped up from the fourth after the cross-country. Five teams competed in the class overall.

In the CCI4*-L, the most difficult at LOTTO Strzegom Horse Trials, the win belonged to Poland’s Małgorzata Korycka with 10-year-old Canvalencia. The rider was eighth after dressage, jumped up to third in the cross-country and went through the jumping course clear, just three seconds over the time. Second place went to Pietro Grandis from Italy with Go For S. The leader after XC – Malin Josefsson (SWE) with Maggan V made some mistakes on the fences and finished third.

Sandra Auffarth with Rosveel won the CCI3*-L class. In the CCIY3*-L the best results belonged to Julia Gillmaier from Poland, who took the first place with Red Dream Princes and second with Rarashek. At the same time she defended her title of the Polish National Champion in the young riders’ category.

The CCI2*-L ended with the win of Belgium’s Lara de Liedekerke-Meier with Formidable 62. The best three in the CCIJ2*-L were Polish riders that also competed in the National Championships for juniors. First place went to Zuzanna Społowicz with Bankier, second to Karolina Ślązak with Ganges and third to Weronika Król with Perez.

Sunday was also the cross-country day for the short-format classes. The best rider of the CCI2*-S was Louise Romeike from Sweden with Caspian 15, and in the CCI3*-S the win went to Lara de Liedekerke-Meier from Belgium with Ducati d’Arville.

10 internatinal classes were played out during LOTTO Strzegom Horse Trials, with 350 pairs representing 21 countries.

Please enjoy these photos courtesy of the press office at Strzegom, working hard to keep us updated around the globe!

LOTTO Strzegom Horse Trials and Nation’s Cup: [Website/Live Stream] [Results] [EN’s Coverage]

: Photo by Leszek Wójcik.

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British Equestrian Announces 2021 FEI European Eventing Championship Long List

By US Equestrian Press Release on Jun 25, 2021 2:22 pm -

Mollie Summerland and Charly van ter Heiden. Photo by Tilly Berendt.

British Equestrian and the British Eventing Selectors can today confirm the 30 eventing athlete and horse combinations that will form their long list of entries ahead of the FEI Eventing European Championship, set to take place in Avenches, Switzerland, on 22–26 September this year.

Long list entries, listed in alphabetical order by athlete surname:

Sarah Bullimore (48) based in Keysoe, Bedfordshire, with the Kew Jumping Syndicate, Brett Bullimore and her own Corouet (chestnut, gelding, 10yrs, 15.2hh, Balou du Rouet x Lovis Corinth, Breeder: Sarah Bullimore GBR)
Rosalind Canter (35) based in Hallington, Lincolnshire, with Caroline Moore and her own Allstar B (bay, gelding, 16yrs, 17hh, Ephebe For Ever x Erkstein, Breeder: FAJ Van der Burg NED) and Michele Saul’s Lordships Graffalo (bay, gelding, 9yrs, 17hh, Grafenstolz x Rock King, Breeder: Lordships Stud Writtle College GBR)
Kirsty Chabert (32) based in Salisbury, Wiltshire, with John Johnston and Carole Somers’ Classic IV (bay, mare, 12yrs, 16.1hh, s. Calvaro FC, Breeder: P. Charles GBR)
Emilie Chandler (40) from Melton Mowbray, Leicestershire, with Maria Doel’s Gortfadda Diamond (brown, gelding, 12yrs, 16.2hh, Water Valley Cool Diamond x Glacial Storm, Breeder: Sean Thomas Lydon IRL)
Laura Collett (31) based in Salperton, Gloucestershire, with Karen Bartlett, Keith Scott and her own London 52 (bay, gelding, 12yrs, 16.3hh, Landos x Quinar, Breeder: Ocke Riewerts GER) and Keith Scott, Nick How and her own Mr Bass (bay, gelding, 13yrs, 16.2hh, Carrico x Exorbitant XX, Breeder: Henning Heinz GER)
Kristina Cook (50) based Findon, West Sussex, with Elisabeth Murdoch and Keith Tyson’s Billy the Red (chestnut, gelding, 14yrs, 16.1hh, Balou du Rouet x Stan The Man XX, Breeder: Michaela Weber-Herrmann GER)
William Fox- Pitt (52) based in Sturminster Newton, Dorset, with Jennifer Dowling and his own Little Fire (bay, gelding, 12yrs, 17hh, Graf Top x Heraldik GER) and the Oratorio Syndicate’s Oratorio (brown, gelding, 12yrs, 16.3hh, Oslo Biats x Topanoora, Breeder: R. Jenks GBR)
Pippa Funnell (52) based in Dorking, Surrey, with Jonathan and Jane Clarke’s MGH Grafton Street (bay, gelding, 13yrs, 16.2hh, s. OBOS Quality, Breeder: Padraig and Lucy McCarthy GBR) and Barbara and Nicholas Walkinshaw’s Billy Walk On (bay, gelding, 12yrs, 16.3hh, Billy Mexico x Golden Bash, Breeder: Donal Barnwell GBR)
Ben Hobday (33) based in Huddersfield, West Yorkshire, with Jane Chamber’s and his own Shadow Man (chestnut, gelding, 11yrs, 17hh, Fidjy of Colors x Winningmood van de Arenberg, BEL)
Yasmin Ingham (24) based in Nantwich, Cheshire, originally from the Isle of Man, with Janette Chinn and Sue Davies’ Banzai Du Loir (chestnut, gelding, 10yrs, 16.2hh, Nouma D’Auzay x Livarot, Breeder: Pierre Gouye FRA)
Tom Jackson (28) based in Ashford, Kent, with Patricia Davenport, Milly Simmie and Sarah Webb’s Capels Hollow Drift (grey, gelding, 10yrs, 16.2hh, Shannondale Sarco St Ghyvan x Lucky Gift, Breeder: Jeanette Glynn IRL)
Kitty King (38) based in Chippenham, Wiltshire, with Diana Bown, Sally Eyre, Samantha Wilson and Sally Lloyd-Baker’s Vendredi Biats (grey, gelding, 12yrs, 16.2hh, Winningmood x Camelia de Ruelles, Breeder: Phillipe Brivois FRA)
Piggy March (40) based in Maidwell, Northamptonshire, with John and Chloe Perry and Alison Swinburn’s Brookfield Inocent (bay, gelding, 12yrs, 16.3hh, Inocent x Kings Servant, Breeder: John Mulvey IRL)
Tom McEwen (30) based in Stroud, Gloucestershire, with Fred and Penny Barker, Jane Inns and Ali McEwen’s Toledo de Kerser (bay, gelding, 14yrs, 16.1hh, Diamant de Semilly x Papillon Rouge, Breeder: Kerstin Drevet FRA)
Harry Meade (37) based in West Littleton, Wiltshire, with Mandy Gray and his own Superstition (bay, gelding, 12yrs, 16.1hh, s. Satisfaction FRH, Breeder: Eva Meier GBR) and David Bernstein, Sophie Caruth, Tamsie Castle and Nigella Hall’s Tenareze (bay, gelding, 14yrs, 16.1hh, Jaguar Mail x Quatar de Plape, Breeder: Patrick Sisqueille FRA)
Mollie Summerland (23) based in Marlborough, Wiltshire with her own Charly van ter Heiden (bay, gelding, 12yrs, 16.1hh, Contendros Bube x Escudo II, Breeder: Klaus Steffens GER)
Gemma Tattersall (36) based in Horsham, West Sussex, with Caroline Teltsch’s Santiago Bay (bay, mare, 13yrs, 16.1hh, ARS Vivendi x Aldatus Z, Breeder: Thomas Merrigan IRL) and Christopher Stone’s Chilli Knight (chestnut, gelding, 11yrs, 16.2hh, Chilli Morning x Rock King, Breeder: Christopher Stone GBR)
Izzy Taylor (38) based in Bicester, Oxfordshire, with Mark Sartori and her own Monkeying Around (bay, gelding, 10yrs, 16.2hh, Bertoli W x Donnerhall II, Breeder: Christian Heinrich GER)
Oliver Townend (38) based in Ellesmere, Shropshire, with Karyn Shuter, Angela Hislop and Val Ryan’s Ballaghmor Class (grey, gelding, 14yo, 16.2hh, s. Courage II, Breeder: Noel Hicky IRL) and Angela Hislop’s Cooley Master Class (bay, gelding, 16yrs, 16.2hh, Ramiro B x Master Imp, Breeder: John Hagan IRL)
Nicola Wilson (44) based in Northallerton, North Yorkshire, with Deirdre Johnston and James and Jo Lambert’s JL Dublin (dark brown, gelding, 10yo, 16.2hh, Diarados Cheeky Boy x Cantano, Breeder: Volker Coettsche-Goetze GER) and James and Jo Lambert’s Bulana (black, mare, 15yrs, 16.3hh, Tygo x Furore, Breeder: S. van Dellen NED)
Isabelle (Bubby) Upton (22) from Newmarket, Suffolk, with Rachel Upton’s Cannavaro (bay, gelding, 14yrs, 16.2hh, Oklund x Don Juan, Breeder: E. van de Vleuten NED) and Rachel Upton’s Cola (brown, gelding, 11yrs, 16.2hh, Catoki x Contender, Breeder: Peter Boege GER)

All combinations hold their place on the long list subject to achieving the necessary minimum eligibility requirements to qualify for the championship

Selection decisions are subject to the athletes and horses maintaining fitness and performance, and this list may be amended at any stage. When the championship schedule is released, a further nominated selection meeting will be held to narrow down the long list to 18 combinations that will be submitted to the Fédération Equestre Internationale (FEI) as our nominated entries for the Eventing European Championship 2021.

The selected squad of six, including four team and two individual combinations, plus reserves, will be announced on or around 20 August.

First West Coast Leg of the Adequan®/USEF Eventing Youth Team Challenge Takes Place at Aspen Farms

By US Equestrian Press Release on Jun 25, 2021 2:00 pm -

Kayla Dumler and Faramir. Photo by
Cortney Drake Photography.

Youth eventing athletes from the western U.S. had their first opportunity to compete in the Adequan®/USEF Eventing Youth Team Challenge last weekend at Aspen Farms Horse Trials. Eight talented athletes competed as individuals in the first West Coast leg of the inaugural Youth Team Challenge in Yelm, Washington.

In the CCI2*-S division, Kayla Dumler (Enumclaw, Wash.) and her 2010 Thoroughbred gelding, Faramir, took home the top score, adding nothing to their dressage score of 29.8 to finish in first.

In the CCI3*-S division, Haley Turner (Alamo, Calif.) finished on a 46.7 with her 2010 Irish Sport Horse gelding, Shadow Inspector, to secure the top spot.

The Youth Team Challenge serves as a progression from the North American Youth Championship format for youth eventing athletes up to the age of 25. The series includes short format events across the country and will conclude with two long format finals, one on each coast.

Aspen Farms Horse Trials organizer Jonathan Elliott said that while the pool of local competitors was small at this inaugural event, the participants and their families were enthusiastic about creating a successful event.

Haley Turner and Shadow Inspector. Photo by
Cortney Drake Photography.

“We had great local support from some of the parents of Area VII Young Riders here, so the athletes got coats, saddle pads, and hats when they first got here,” said Elliott. “They got really good prizes in addition to the ones from USEF. The athletes were super excited. They seemed to really like it and it was a good experience for them. Hopefully it’s a good start that will grow into getting teams from California and elsewhere in the west to compete next year.”

The next West Coast legs for the Youth Team Challenge will take place Sept. 23-26 in Paso Robles, Calif., and Oct. 7-9 in Woodside, Calif. The West Coast Final will be held in Temecula, Calif., Nov. 3-7.

“I think the focus now is on making sure we get teams at the long format [finals] at the end of the year on the East and West Coast,” said Elliott. “Then, hopefully, more team competitions happen at the shorts leading into that, because I think that’s the great aspect of what Young Riders has always been. It’s that team component to competing in eventing that you can’t get anywhere else.”

See full results from Aspen Farms Horse Trials here.

Learn more about the Adequan/USEF Eventing Youth Team Challenge and see all 2021 dates and locations here.

For questions regarding the USEF Eventing Youth Team Challenge, contact Christina Vaughn, USEF Director, Eventing Performance and Program Support, at (859) 225-6917 or [email protected].

Stay up to date on U.S. Eventing (USEF) by following USA Eventing on Facebook and Instagram. Use #USAEventing.

[First West Coast Leg of the Adequan®/USEF Eventing Youth Team Challenge Takes Place at Aspen Farms]

TIEC to Host USEF CCI4*-L Eventing National Championship in 2021 and 2022

By US Equestrian Press Release on Jun 25, 2021 12:00 pm -

Photo by Leslie Threlkeld.

US Equestrian is pleased to announce that the USEF CCI4*-L Eventing National Championship will return to the Tryon International Equestrian Center in Mill Spring, N.C., in 2021 and 2022. The National Championship will be held in conjunction with the Tryon International Three-Day Event.

The USEF CCI4*-L Eventing National Championship was held at TIEC for the first time in 2020, and competitors had high praise for the facilities at the venue and the staff’s dedication to producing a world-class event. Tryon’s White Oak cross-country course was created for the 2018 FEI World Equestrian Games™ and is known for its scenic rolling terrain in the foothills of the Blue Ridge Mountains.

“We are very excited to host the Tryon International Three-Day Event CCI4*-L again this November,” said Sharon Decker, President of Tryon of Tryon Equestrian Properties, Carolinas Operations. “Our 2020 event was extraordinary, and with spectators welcomed this year, we will have the chance once again to showcase the highest levels of this sport on what many of our riders have declared one of the best cross-country courses in the world. We cannot wait!”

The 2021 Tryon International Three-Day Event is set to take place November 10-14. The event will host CCI1*-L, CCI2*-L, CCI3*-L, and CCI4*-S divisions in addition to the CCI4*-L. Additionally, the East Coast Final for the inaugural Adequan® USEF Eventing Youth Team Challenge will be held in conjunction with the event, making for an exciting week of late-season eventing.
For more information, visit tryon.com/eventing.

[US Equestrian Announces Tryon International Equestrian Center as Host of the USEF CCI4*-L Eventing National Championships for 2021 and 2022]

Equestrian Australia Names Tokyo Olympics Squad

By US Equestrian Press Release on Jun 25, 2021 9:49 am -

Andrew Hoy will represent Australia at an unprecedented eighth Olympic Games, extending his own record of seven as the most Olympic appearances by an Australian athlete, while Mary Hanna becomes the first woman to make six Australian Olympic Teams.

Hoy, Chris Burton and Shane Rose will compete in Eventing, and Hanna, Simone Pearce and Kelly Layne will compete in Dressage.

After making his Olympic debut in Los Angeles in 1984, three-time Olympic gold medallist Hoy’s selection extends his own record of most Olympic appearances, becoming the 13th athlete in Olympic history to make eight Games, joining only nine eight-time Olympians and three athletes who have competed at more. The 62-year-old will also surpass rider Bill Roycroft, who was aged 61 in 1976, to become the oldest Australian male competitor at an Olympics.

Andrew Hoy and Vassily de Lassos. Photo by Tilly Berendt.

In Tokyo, Hoy will ride Vassily de Lassos, a 12-year-old gelding owned by David and Paula Evans, and will be aided by groom Clémentine Girardeau as he attempts to secure a fourth gold medal.

66-year-old Mary Hanna continues her decades of equestrian excellence, extending the record she set in Rio as the oldest Australian Olympic competitor. Hanna will contest her sixth Games aboard her mare Calanta, who she co-owns with husband Robert Hanna, and will be supported on the ground in Tokyo by her groom Casey Gill.

The Eventing team boasts an incredible depth of experience with Rio bronze medallists Burton and Rose selected to their third Games, while Dressage competitors Pearce and Layne are making their Olympic debut.

Chris Burton and Quality Purdey. Photo by Tilly Berendt.

Burton, who had an astounding six horses qualified for the Games prior to Covid, will ride mare Quality Purdey, owned by Claire Poole, and will be accompanied by groom Coriander Cousins. Rose has been selected for the team with his long-time ride and World Equestrian Games partner Virgil, owned together with his wife Niki and Michelle Hasibar. Rachel Watts, who groomed for Rose at Rio, will once again take on the role in Tokyo.

Pearce, 29, who currently holds all three Australian Grand Prix records and is the team’s youngest member, will make her Olympic Debut riding the black stallion Destano. Pearce co-owns Destano with Gestüt Sprehe and Emily Reudavey will support the combination as their groom. Layne, who is based in the USA, will also compete in her first Olympics next month on Samhitas, with whom she has been partnered since 2019 and jointly owns with Nori Maezawa. Satomi Ishikuri will be the groom for Samhitas and Layne at the Games.

Shane Rose and Virgil. Photo by Leslie Threlkeld.

The Eventing team reserve combination will be Stuart Tinney and Leporis, who will travel alongside the selected team to Japan.

Chef de Mission of the Australian Olympic Team Ian Chesterman congratulated the history-making team.

“What a fantastic piece of Olympic history this equestrian team will make in Tokyo,” Mr Chesterman said. “Andrew’s eight Games is a truly rare achievement. Andrew is one of only 13 people over 125 years of Olympic history to achieve this feat, and is testament to a life dedicated to excellence.

“Mary continues to inspire with decades of performing at a world class level, becoming the first woman to make six Olympic Games for Australia.

“Congratulations to all riders selected today, Australians will be thrilled to watch our Equestrian team in action in Tokyo and to see Australian Olympic history made.

“Thank you to the families, supporters, coaches, grooms and Equestrian Australia who have helped these six riders over decades to achieve their Olympic selection for Tokyo.”

Stuart Tinney and Leporis on their way to a second place finish in the 2019 Aus3DE CCI5*. Photo courtesy of Kirsty Pasto.

Hoy said he is looking forward to representing Australia at his first Olympic Games since becoming a father to daughter Philippa (age 3) and son Oscar (age 1), as well as riding a horse he believes may be one of the best of his career.

“To represent Australia at international level over so many years has been the greatest privilege and honour of my life,” Hoy said. “I have never set out to break records on my number of Olympic Games participations – I am just a country boy from Culcairn, who loves his horses, has a huge passion for our sport and thrives on being competitive at the top end.

“I have been fortunate to have had wonderful support from so many people over the years, as you can never do this alone. It is a huge team effort and I am so grateful for everyone´s support.

“There is nothing that beats the feeling of wearing the green and gold and being part of a team of incredible athletes – going onto the biggest sporting stage in the world – and all wanting to make Australia proud. In Vassily de Lassos, owned by David and Paula Evans, I have got one of the best horses I have had in my whole career – so let´s hope the best is yet to come.”

Hanna, a grandmother of three with number four due in the next few weeks, and legend of Australian dressage, is excited to once again step into the Olympic arena.

“I am absolutely thrilled to be selected for my sixth Olympics,” Hanna said. “It has been a truly testing time for all with so many challenges…a bit like walking a tightrope to get this far, and I am sure it’s been the same for my fellow team members.

“In spite of this I am so proud to be joining Kelly Layne and Simone Pearce to represent Australia, and I am sure together we will make a great team.”

Equestrian Australia CEO, Darren Gocher, said the two records set by Hoy and Hanna is a testament to both the longevity and proud legacy of equestrian sport within Australia.

“Today we welcome not only the selection of a diverse and talented team of athletes, but we also celebrate the core values of our sport, where men and women compete on equal terms and age is no barrier to achieving success at the highest level.

“I would like to congratulate all Eventing and Dressage combinations selected to represent Australia in Tokyo, and to acknowledge the dedication, hard work and commitment of the athletes, owners, grooms and everyone involved in the Olympic journey.”

The discipline of jumping is subject to an appeal by a non-nominated athlete, with selections to be announced when the process is finalised.

Maryland 5 Star at Fair Hill Announces Initial Sponsors Including MARS Equestrian

By US Equestrian Press Release on Jun 24, 2021 11:00 am -

The Fair Hill Organizing Committee (FHOC), an affiliate of the Sport and Entertainment Corporation of Maryland (The Sport Corp.), today announced the Maryland 5 Star at Fair Hill’s initial line-up of sponsors for the inaugural event taking place October 14-17 at the new Fair Hill Special Event Zone in Cecil County, Maryland. MARS EQUESTRIAN™, the link between the iconic Mars, Incorporated brands and services with the equestrian community, has joined the event as a “5 Star” level sponsor. Cecil County is serving as the event’s Host Sponsor, and additional lead sponsors in the “4 Star” category include Brown Advisory, Quarry View Building Group, Diageo and Breakthru Beverage.

The Maryland 5 Star’s partnership with MARS EQUESTRIAN™ will involve activations with several of Mars, Incorporated’s featured brands and services including the BUCKEYE™ Nutrition brand, the NUTRO™ and PEDIGREE® brands, ANTECH™ and SOUND® Equine, and the ETHEL M® Chocolates and AMERICAN HERITAGE® Chocolate brands. Mars, Incorporated brings a rich equestrian heritage, and a tradition of purposeful partnerships with world-class competitions across all equestrian disciplines to create a better world for horses, pets and the people who love them.

“MARS EQUESTRIAN™ has been a supporter of equestrian sports for many years and is thrilled to partner with the Maryland 5 Star at Fair Hill in its inaugural year,” said Dr. Bridgett McIntosh – Director at MARS Equestrian. “We know that horses have a remarkable effect on people, and our goal is to push beyond just sponsoring elite-level competitions. We want to spread that joy through direct interactions with fans, consumers, and competitors.”

Mike Hankin, President and CEO of Brown Advisory, commented, “Our company, headquartered in Maryland has a history of supporting equestrian sport and we’re now very proud to add the Maryland 5 Star at Fair Hill and the sport of Eventing to our portfolio. During these challenging times we believe it’s important to reaffirm our support for an industry upon which many livelihoods and communities depend. We see no better place to do this than right here in our own backyard.”

Ben King, President of Quarry View Building Group, stated, “As a premier Equestrian and timber frame custom builder, Quarry View Building Group immediately recognized the importance of hosting a 5 Star FEI event in the Mid-Atlantic region, and Fair Hill is the perfect location. From the start with designing and constructing the Judge’s booths, Quarry View Building Group has been pleased to be an active 4 Star sponsor of the MD 5 Star event. We can’t wait to see everyone October 14-17, 2021!”

The Maryland 5 Star at Fair Hill is also announcing the following line-up of sponsorships across the event’s different category levels:

“3 Star”

Attwood Equestrian Surfaces
Boehringer Ingelheim
Fair Hill Saddlery
Morris & Ritchie Associates, Inc. (MRA) and Geo-Technology Associates, Inc. (GTA)
Select Event Group
Taylor Harris Insurance Services (THIS)

“2 Star”

Brook Ledge Horse Transportation
Dubarry of Ireland
Guardian Horse Bedding
Hippo Data
Hound & Hare
Kong Equine
Mane N’ Tail / Straight Arrow Products
Maryland Department of Agriculture / Maryland Seafood Marketing
NEOGEN
Stanley Black & Decker
The Dutta Corp.
United States Eventing Association (USEA)
J. Vineyards & Winery
Sterling Vineyards
Cincoro Tequila
Reyka Vodka
Blade and Bow Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey
Bulleit Bourbon
Johnnie Walker Scotch Whisky
Tanqueray Gin
Guinness Beer
Smirnoff Seltzer

“1 Star”

Bates Saddles
FEI Stabling
Flair LLC / Achieve Equine
Maryland Horse Industry Board
McCormick & Company
Shapley’s Superior Equine Grooming Products
Stubben North America

“Ribbon”

Choptank Electric Cooperative
Deer Valley Danes
Emerald Valley Nutrition
Green Horse Enterprises
MidAtlantic Farm Credit
Stable Feed
Sweet Piggy Baking Co.
The Sacks Group
WL Gore

“Community Partners”

Old Dominion Electric Cooperative (ODEC)
Upper Shore Regional Council (USRC)

“Associations and Hospitality”

Delaware Sports Commission
Embassy Suites Newark Wilmington South

The event is receiving additional support from equestrian sport’s national and international governing bodies including the Fédération Équestre Internationale (FEI), the United States Equestrian Federation (USEF), and United States Eventing Association (USEA). Fair Hill International is the Maryland 5 Star at Fair Hill’s Competition Management Partner.

“On behalf of The Fair Hill Organizing Committee, we are truly grateful to be able to announce an initial line-up of sponsors like this for the Maryland 5 Star at Fair Hill,” said Jeff Newman, President & CEO. “To have this type of support in our first year, during a time when new events like ours need it the most is a testament to the positive impact this event can have on the community, the sport, the Maryland Food Bank and the horse industry in Maryland.”

The Maryland 5 Star at Fair Hill is one of only two CCI5*-L events in the United States, and seventh worldwide. It will showcase the sport of Eventing at its highest-level and feature additional entertainment options for spectators to experience. Businesses and organizations seeking to partner with the event can visit Maryland5Star.us/sponsors for more information.

Inaugural ‘Ever So Sweet’ Scholarship from Strides for Equality Equestrians Awarded to Helen Casteel

By US Equestrian Press Release on Jun 18, 2021 9:00 am -

Helen Casteel and Unapproachable at the 2019 American Eventing Championships. Photo by Shannon Brinkman.

Strides for Equality Equestrians and the United States Eventing Association Foundation are proud to announce the first recipient of the Ever So Sweet Scholarship. The scholarship, which is the first of its kind, provides a fully-funded opportunity for riders from diverse backgrounds to train with upper-level professionals. Helen Casteel of Maryland is the first recipient of the bi-annual scholarship. Edy Rameika, Sara Kozumplik Murphy, and Brian Murphy are providing the sponsored internship for Helen and her horse, Unapproachable (barn name: Abel), to train with Sara and Brian at Overlook Farm Equestrian Center in Berryville, VA for
three months.

The scholarship covers expenses for full board and training costs for Abel, several lessons per week, housing for Helen, a stipend to cover living expenses, competition fees, and coaching at competitions.

Helen has been partnered with Abel, a 13-year-old OTTB, for seven years. He was a “young six” when she got him, and they have worked hard together to successfully event at the Novice level. Helen and Abel competed at the American Eventing Championships in 2019. Helen’s immediate goals include moving up to Training level, which she is hopeful will be attainable because of the ESS scholarship.

Helen will also have the unique opportunity to learn to manage and care for upper-level horses and will be participating as part of the team in all aspects of running a large, competitive barn. She said the horse care and management part of being in a high-performance program is one of the parts she is looking forward to the most. She is eager to learn about the therapies and maintenance the horses receive to keep them healthy and sound. Helen also wants to learn the art and science that goes into choosing a good horse – for example, what do top riders look for when they are shopping, and how does one choose the best equine partner for their level and circumstances?

Helen’s goals also include playing an active role in fostering a more inclusive environment within the sport. The scholarship will provide Helen with the opportunity to make professional connections, which will not only help her as an individual, but will contribute to improving access and opportunities for other BIPOC riders. Helen is eager to promote inclusion and access and stated, “Though I personally have been fortunate in my circumstance, I still feel that as a Black woman, I can contribute to the conversation and the solution. The opportunities to improve diversity, equity, and inclusion in the equine world and sport can fall into two buckets — exposure and opportunity.”

Helen will be an ambassador for the ESS scholarship, which is part of the Professional Pathways programs SEE is developing. “If we continue to actively prioritize inclusion and highlight participation of people of color and LGBTQ+ peoples, we will see the profile of not just Eventing but all equestrian sports rise,” Helen wrote in her application essay. You can follow along for updates on our website at https://www.stridesforequality.org/ and on our Facebook and Instagram pages.

You can also read Helen’s submission for Eventing Nation’s 2020 Diversity Scholarship, in which she writes at length about the importance of representation and inclusion, here.

Tickets for Inaugural Maryland 5 Star at Fair Hill to go On Sale Monday, June 14

By US Equestrian Press Release on Jun 9, 2021 10:00 am -

Rendering courtesy of Maryland 5 Star.

The Fair Hill Organizing Committee (FHOC), an affiliate of the Sport and Entertainment Corporation of Maryland (The Sport Corp.), today announced tickets for the inaugural Maryland 5 Star at Fair Hill will go on sale Monday, June 14 at 10 a.m. EDT. Ticket information and purchasing options will be available at Maryland5Star.us/Tickets.

The much-anticipated Maryland 5 Star at Fair Hill will take place October 14-17 at the new Fair Hill Special Event Zone in Cecil County, Maryland. The event, one of only two 5 Star (CCI5*-L) equestrian events in the United States and seventh worldwide, will showcase four days of world-class competition at the Olympic sport of Eventing’s highest-level. Spectators will see Eventing’s elite athletes and horses competing at the new venue for the first time across three disciplines, Dressage, Cross-Country and Show Jumping for a combined $325,000 in prize money.

A 3 Star competition (CCI3*-L) featuring The US Equestrian Federation (USEF) Eventing National Championship and The Dutta Corp. United States Eventing Association (USEA) Young Event Horse East Coast Championships will also be running in conjunction with the 5 Star. Tickets include entry to all competitions held simultaneously throughout the event.

A variety of single and multi-day ticket packages, along with group sales options will be available for purchase. Levels range from General Admission starting at $15, Grandstand Box Seats, Reserved Club Level and Tier 1 VIP Hospitality offering the most exclusive and elevated experience to spectators overlooking the Main Arena.

All ticket levels include event venue admission for an entire day of elite competition with unlimited in-field access to expansive and curated retail vendor areas, on-site fan activations and special events, a wide variety of food and beverage offerings, as well as full access to the new cross-country course, warm-up, and practice arenas. Tailgating options for Saturday’s (October 16) thrilling Cross-Country phase will be announced soon at a later date.

“It is very exciting to finally be able to announce tickets going on sale for the inaugural Maryland 5 Star at Fair Hill,” said Jeff Newman, President & CEO of The Fair Hill Organizing Committee. “We’re thrilled to welcome spectators and horse enthusiasts from all over to Cecil County and beautiful Fair Hill. The new Fair Hill Special Event Zone is spectacular and literally offers a breath of fresh air for those seeking a scenic outdoor, family-oriented experience this fall, while enjoying world-class competition.”

For news and updates about the event, follow the Maryland 5 Star at Fair Hill on social media @maryland5star and sign up for the email newsletter at Maryland5star.us/newsletter-sign-up.

About the Maryland 5 Star at Fair Hill:

One of only two 5 Star events in the United States, and seventh worldwide, the Maryland 5 Star at Fair Hill will continue the storied legacy of Eventing at the new Fair Hill Special Event Zone in Elkton, Maryland, located in Cecil County. The prestigious 5 Star (CCI5*-L) designation is the pinnacle of the sport of Eventing also known as the equestrian triathlon. The Maryland 5 Star at Fair Hill is produced by The Fair Hill Organizing Committee, an affiliate of the Sport and Entertainment Corporation of Maryland, and in partnership with Fair Hill International. The Maryland Food Bank serves as an event beneficiary.

About the Sport and Entertainment Corporation of Maryland (The Sport Corp.):

The Sport and Entertainment Corporation of Maryland is a 501(c)(3) established in 2019 to further, promote, and move the State of Maryland forward through sports.

Discover Cecil County Maryland!:

Centrally located between Philadelphia and Baltimore on I-95, Cecil County, Maryland boasts vibrant small towns, 200 miles of waterfront, foodie destinations, and scenic countryside providing the perfect backdrop for the Maryland 5 Star at Fair Hill. Experience fabulous local food with a Chesapeake Bay flair, local beer and wine, outdoor recreation, family friendly attractions, and specialty shops, plus discover 80 miles of trails for hiking, biking and horseback riding. Destination Cecil County…Just a Daydream Away!

U.S. Eventing Olympic Team to Host Mandatory Training Session at Great Meadow from June 30 – July 2

By US Equestrian Press Release on Jun 9, 2021 8:30 am -

Liz Halliday-Sharp and Deniro Z. Photo by Tilly Berendt.

The U.S. Eventing Olympic Team will hold a mandatory training session at Great Meadow in The Plains, Va., from Wednesday, June 30, through Friday, July 2. The training session will feature at maximum 15 athlete-and-horse combinations, including the three combinations currently named to the U.S. Eventing Olympic Team, direct reserve and traveling reserve combinations, as well as the six alternate combinations and a limited number of other international combinations.

A trot-up will take place at 5:30 p.m. on Wednesday, June 30. Dressage will begin at 9:00 a.m. on Thursday, July 1, followed by a cross-country phase beginning at 2:00 p.m. the same day. Show jumping will begin at 10:00 a.m. on Friday, July 2 for all participating combinations. This event will not be open to public spectators and will not be livestreamed, but media attendance and coverage is encouraged.

Interview opportunities with athletes, team staff and personnel, and Chef d’Equipe Erik Duvander will be available following each phase. All interviews, outside of press conferences, must be pre-scheduled with USEF staff. USEF staff must be present for all pre-scheduled interviews, and media in violation of this will have credentials revoked.

EN will be on site for this mandatory outing, so stay tuned right here for much more from the Tokyo-bound athletes!

Germans Have a Day at Conclusion of Poland’s Equestrian Festival Baborówko

By US Equestrian Press Release on May 31, 2021 11:30 am -

Michael Jung and fischerChipmunk FRH. Photo by MR Photo.

Sunday saw the conclusion of Equestrian Festival Baborówko in Poland, where 200 riders with 350 horses from 25 countries all over the world competed for a prize pool unparalleled in Polish eventing – over 90,000 EUR.

In the most important class of the show – the CCI4*-S for the prize of the patron of the event, Mr Roman Roszkiewicz, with a prize pool of 70,000 EUR, the leader after dressage and cross-country was Ingrid Klimke (GER) with SAP Hale Bob OLD. However, the rider had an unlucky but harmless fall in the CCI3*-S cross country, which made it unable for her to compete in the four-star jumping trial. The second and third place after two trials belonged to Michael Jung (GER) with fischerChimpmunk FRH and fischerWild Wave. The rider confirmed his fantastic shape today and finished the jumping with two clear rounds to take the first and second place. Third went to Sandra Auffarth (GER) with Let’s Dance 73.

“I am very pleased with of my horses, especially with FischerChipmunk FRH and FischerWild Wave, which are in a great shape. We had some demanding conditions, but that’s just eventing,” said Michael Jung (GER). “It was a hard show, but shows like that are necessary, especially in this season, where we have to take advantage of every occasion to prepare for Tokyo. I’ve been to Baborówko two years ago. Now there are new great arenas. To achieve good results, we need good conditions and that’s what we have here.

Paweł Spisak and Banderas. Photo by M&R Photo.

The CCI4*-S also determined the podium for this year’s Polish National Championships – for the third time in Baborówko. We witnessed a great performance by Paweł Spisak with Banderas. The rider finished the class as the best Polish athlete, and secured his 9th gold medal of the National Championships. Mateusz Kiempa defended his silver with Libertina, and bronze went to the home rider of Baborówko Equestrian Association – Paweł Warszawski with Lucinda Ex Ani 4.

Michael Jung celebrates a great weekend. Photo by M&R Photo.

“We are very glad that some of the best eventers decided to visit Baborówko. We’re happy that in these difficult times and after a year-long break we managed to safely carry out the event, taking advantage of the potential of our new and modernized infrastructure,” says Henryk Święcicki Jr., the director of the show.

There was a change in the lead after the jumping for the CCI4*-L, for the trophy of Lotto. Fouaad Mirza (IND) was in the first and second place with Seigneur Medicott and Dajara 4. However, today he had faults in the jumping trial and so the win went to Aminda Ingulfson (SWE) with Hot Cup VH after a clear round. Fouaad finished second and third.

Fouaad Mirza and Seigneur Medicott. Photo by M&R Photo.

In the CCI3*-S, for the trophy of Kuhn, the first three placings went to German riders. Michael Jung was victorious with Kilcandra Ocean Power, second went to Hanna Knüppel riding Geke Equigrip’s Levinio, and third to Peter Thomsen with Cool Charly Blue.

Lotte Palmgren (FIN) with Geniale 11 took the lead after yesterday’s jumping in the CCI2*-S for the trophy of Concordia Grupa Generali, and kept her position in today’s cross country. Felix Etzel (GER) was second with Promising Pete TSF, and Esteban Benitez Valle (ESP) with Escara GP – third.

The CCI2*-YH for six-year-old horses, for the trophy of Kunowo Stables, ended with the win of Andreas Dibowski (GER) riding Crisallik. Merel Blom (NED) with Denim took second, and third went to Louise Romeike (SWE) with Madame D’ Engelbourg Z.

The leaderboard of the CCI1*-Intro remained unchanged since Saturday – Jerome Robine (GER) kept his lead with Coby R, Merel Blom (NED) with The Black Swan was second, and Malin Petersen (SWE) went home with the third riding Hulda.

More information can be found at www.festiwal.baborowko.pl.

The U.S. Eventing Olympic Team Has Been Announced

By US Equestrian Press Release on May 27, 2021 3:07 pm -

US Equestrian is pleased to announce the four athlete-and-horse combinations who will represent the U.S. Eventing Olympic Team as part of Team USA at the Olympic Games Tokyo 2020 in Tokyo, Japan. The team will be led by Chef d’Equipe Erik Duvander and Team Leader Jenni Autry. Competition will begin July 30 and continue through August 2, 2021, at the Equestrian Park and Sea Forest Cross-Country Course venues. Three combinations will compete as a team with one traveling reserve. Two direct reserves have been named alongside six alternate combinations.

“I believe we have a competitive team to represent the U.S. in Tokyo. All the horses have had a little break, and we will now be working to improve some details we identified at the Kentucky Three-Day Event CCI5*-L and Jersey Fresh CCI4*-L before we head to the team’s Mandatory Outing at Great Meadow in Virginia,” commented Chef d’Equipe Erik Duvander. “Following that outing, we travel to our Pre-Export Quarantine in Aachen, Germany. This is a great facility and will function as our final training camp where we will be working with dressage judges and have Peter Wylde working with us on the show jumping. This is a very focused group of athletes who are committed to delivering a top performance in Tokyo.”

The following athlete-and-horse combinations will represent the United States at the Olympic Games Tokyo 2020 and are listed in alphabetical order:

Phillip Dutton (West Grove, Pa.) and Z, a 13-year-old Zangersheide gelding owned by Thomas Tierney, Ann Jones, Caroline Moran, Simon Roosevelt, and Suzanne Lacy

Elisabeth Halliday-Sharp (Lexington, Ky.) and Deniro Z, a 13-year-old KWPN gelding owned by Ocala Horse Properties

Boyd Martin (Cochranville, Pa.) and Luke 140, a 10-year-old Holsteiner gelding owned by The Luke 140 Syndicate

First Direct Reserve: Tsetserleg TSF, a 14-year-old Trakehner gelding owned by Christine Turner, Thomas Turner, and Tommie Turner
Second Direct Reserve: On Cue, a 15-year-old Selle Français mare owned by Christine Turner, Boyd Martin, Thomas Turner, and Tommie Turner

The following combination has been named as the traveling reserve:

Doug Payne (Aiken, S.C.) and Vandiver, a 17-year-old Trakehner gelding owned by Debi Crowley, Doug Payne, and Jessica Payne

The following combinations have been named as team alternatives and are listed in selected order:

First Alternate: Tamra Smith (Murietta, Calif.) and Mai Baum, a 15-year-old German Sport Horse gelding owned by Alexandra Ahearn, Ellen Ahearn, and Eric Markell

Second Alternate: Will Faudree (Southern Pines, N.C.) and Mama’s Magic Way, a 10-year-old Hanoverian gelding owned by Jennifer Mosing

Third Alternate: Will Coleman (Gordonsville, Va.) and Off The Record, a 12-year-old Irish Sport Horse gelding owned by the Off The Record Syndicate

Fourth Alternate: Sydney Elliott (Bossier City, La.) and QC Diamantaire, an 11-year-old Oldenburg gelding owned by Carol Stephens

Fifth Alternate: Bruce Davidson Jr. (Unionville, Pa.) and Carlevo, a 14-year-old Holsteiner gelding owned by Katherine O’Brien

Sixth Alternate: Lauren Nicholson (The Plains, Va.) and Vermiculus, a 14-year-old Anglo-Arabian gelding owned by Jacqueline Mars

All team nominations are subject to United States Olympic & Paralympic Committee approval.

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Horse & Country and British Eventing Announce Partnership, New BE TV Channel on H&C+

By US Equestrian Press Release on May 26, 2021 9:00 am -

Piggy March and Brookfield Quality. Photo by Tilly Berendt.

British Eventing (BE), the National Governing Body for the sport of eventing in Great Britain, and leading international equestrian sports network Horse & Country (H&C) today announced the details of a wide-ranging partnership. The rationale behind the new arrangement is underpinned by H&C’s extensive eventing coverage, which includes live and highlights sport, training content and rider profiles, and the increasing role of video in BE’s communications activity.

At the heart of the partnership is the creation of the BE TV Channel on H&C’s streaming service, H&C+. The Channel will host all of H&C’s eventing live streams starting with Belsay International and Bicton International in June, followed by Barbury International and Burgham International in July. There’s also live coverage of major events from overseas including Longines Luhmühlen 5*, Mars Great Meadow International from Virginia, and Les 5 Étoiles de Pau.

The BE TV Channel also features a wealth of eventing-related material including Masterclasses from William Fox-Pitt, Lucinda Green, Ben Hobday, Emily King, Ros Canter and many more. For those who want to see behind the scenes and into the lives of some of the biggest names in the sport there are rider profiles including Piggy March, Tina Cook, Alex Hua-Tian and Oliver Townend. And for a real insight into how the stars of the sport relax off-duty, H&C’s hugely popular series, Daisy Dines With, features Daisy Bunn sitting down to dinner with Laura Collett and friends, The Fox-Pitts and the Funnells.

The BE TV Channel will be continually updated and refreshed with new material and information about further joint initiatives from BE and H&C.

Other key features of the partnership include:

A promotion throughout June offering a 15% discount on annual membership of H&C+ for BE members
Ads promoting BE membership to run in all H&C eventing live streams
Cross promotion of key messages to each other’s social communities

H&C Director, Richard Burdett said: “We’re showing more live eventing than ever before this year, so a partnership with BE is a great way to add further value for the passionate eventing community. We know that many of our viewers are both fans and competitors in their own right, so we’ve created the BE TV Channel to pull together a wide range of content to help them get even more from the sport they love.”

Wendy McGowan, Chief Operating Officer at British Eventing, commented: “We are delighted to be partnering with H&C to bring top quality eventing content to the eventing community and to be able to mark this occasion with a special introductory offer for our BE members.”

To watch all of H&C’s eventing live streams and access the BE TV Channel, make sure you are signed up to H&C+, Horse & Country’s worldwide streaming service. H&C+ members can watch online or with H&C’s mobile apps, as well as on Roku, Apple TV, Android TV, and Amazon Fire. Membership is just $9.99 per month, or $99.99 annually, and full details on how to join can be found at horseandcountry.tv.

British Equestrian Announces New Additions to Podium Potential Pathway Programme

By US Equestrian Press Release on May 25, 2021 1:00 pm -

Mollie Summerland and Charly van ter Heiden. Photo by Tilly Berendt.

British Equestrian is pleased to welcome a new cohort of athletes to the Podium Potential Pathway level of its World Class Programme.

The aim of the Podium Potential Pathway is to identify, support and develop younger athletes who demonstrate the capability to be part of a senior championship team in the future. Funded by UK Sport and Sport England, the programme provides selected athletes with an education designed to further develop the performance foundation skills required to enable them to make the next step towards the podium. Athletes are selected onto the programme for a two-year cycle and can stay on the programme for a maximum of four years.

Yasmin Ingham and Banzai du Loir. Photo by Tilly Berendt.

On Monday 17 May, following Government guidance and strict COVID protocols, selected athletes were invited to an induction day at Hogarths Hotel in Solihull. The day provided them with more information about what they can expect from the next two years and an opportunity to meet members of the World Class Programme staff, including their discipline mentors. They were also issued with their programme kit from British Equestrian team suppliers Toggi.

During the morning session, former rugby union player Ed Jackson talked about his recovery from an accident in which he broke his neck, and how the recovery and rehabilitation process has helped shape the principles of purpose, progress, perseverance and perspective in the way he now views his life and the challenges he has faced. The afternoon’s keynote speaker was Olympic gold medal-winning slalom canoeist Joe Clarke MBE, who gave an athlete’s perspective through his journey into the sport, and explained the importance that mental fortitude, resilience and focusing on the end goal plays in success. He also emphasised that however great the success you might have, it must still be the love of the sport that drives you.

Following the event, David Hamer, Head of Performance Pathways at British Equestrian, commented: “The athletes joining the programme really impressed us during the selection process. We encourage them to now spend the next two years fully utilising all the resources that are now available to them as athletes on a World Class Programme, so that they can maximise their performances, develop a career in sport and, in the future, progress to the next step in British Equestrian’s structured performance pathway. We hope to see them ride on the senior championship team one day.”

Podium Potential Pathway athletes have access to top equestrian specialists and coaches during their time on the programme. Technical skills and knowledge are supported by a human and equine sport science team, who deliver biomechanics, physiotherapy, sport psychology, nutrition advice, vet and farrier support, and saddler fitting advice. Athletes also receive guidance on managing themselves and their careers, as well as their finances.

Bubby Upton and Cannavaro. Photo by Tilly Berendt.

“It’s incredible to be on the Podium Potential Pathway,” says former Junior and Young Rider European medallist Bubby Upton, who now competes at four-star with her string of horses. “I think that the access we have to resources, from coaching to biomechanics, is amazing and I’m really excited to see the difference that it’ll hopefully make to my performance. I feel really lucky to be part of the programme.”

Hector Payne and Dynasty. Photo by Tilly Berendt.

The athletes joining the Eventing Podium Potential Pathway are:

22-year-old Bubby Upton, who recently finished her final year at Edinburgh University, where she studies Sports Management. Bubby has represented Great Britain at European Championships five times, winning seven medals – including individual gold at the 2017 Junior European Championships. She’s based in Newmarket and hopes to make her CCI5* debut this season.

21-year-old Georgina Wood took the reins of Coronel MCJ, formerly the World Championship ride of Brazil’s Marcio Carvalho Jorge, in 2018 and has enjoyed a fruitful trajectory up the levels since. She made her four-star debut with an impressive clear over an exceptionally tough track at Hartpury in 2019 and jumped clear around Bicton’s CCI3*-L last season.

29-year-old Hector Payne made his first major impressions upon the industry while working as a rider for William Fox-Pitt, taking the reins on a number of his horses in the aftermath of William’s major accident at Le Lion in 2015. Now, he runs his own business alongside girlfriend Yaz Olsson-Sanderson, and competes a string of horses helmed by five-star mount Dynasty. The pair were aiming for their third five-star next month at Luhmühlen — we previously saw them at Burghley in 2018 and Pau last year — but Hector suffered a broken leg in a fall last week. Speedy recovery, Hector!

26-year-old Laura Schroter is a familiar face at the upper levels, competing successfully at four-star with top horse Willem Van Wup and enjoying three-star success with Corgary Femme Fatale over the last season. The Pony Club ‘A’ graduate formerly rode for Gemma Tattersall and the Billy Stud before setting up her own business in West Sussex, helped along by the Mark Todd Bridging the Gap scholarship for 2018/2019.

23-year-old Mollie Summerland, who stepped up to CCI5* last year at Pau with Charly van ter Heiden, finishing 10th. Mollie produced Charly through the levels herself and is based in Wiltshire with her small but steadily expanding string of horses. Previously based with Pippa Funnell, she’s finished in the top ten in 17 of her 25 internationals with her top horse and will head to Luhmühlen for their second CCI5* next month.

18-year-old Molly Faulkner had a successful Pony career, contributing to team silver at the 2016 Pony Europeans and finishing 25th individually the following year. Since then, the Kentish rider has enjoyed a successful step up to Advanced and international three-star, with top ten placings in CCI3*-S classes at Gatcombe and Cornbury and the CCI3*-L at Bicton.

19-year-old Oliver Jackson was the 2018 National Pony Champion, and represented Great Britain in the 2017 Pony European Championships in just his third-ever international competition. Now, he’s stepped up successfully to three-star, with top ten finishes at the level at Burnham Market, Thoresby, and Cornbury with top horse Viktor Krum.

24-year-old Yasmin Ingham has been the national under-16, under-18, under-21 and under-25 champion, and has represented Great Britain at three European Championships: the 2012 Pony Europeans, where she finished 36th, the 2013 Pony Europeans, where she won team and individual gold, and the 2018 Young Rider Europeans, where she finished in fourth place individually. She grew up on the Isle of Man, where she was very involved with her local Pony Club, and enjoyed early successes aboard the former Mary King rides Fernhill Urco and Imperial Cavalier. She’s since made her five-star debut, finishing 16th in 2018 aboard Night Line and returning in 2020 with Rehy DJ — both self-produced horses. She’s got her eye on the 2024 Olympics with Banzai du Loir, who won the eight- and nine-year-old CCI4*-S, ordinarily held at Blenheim, in 2020.

Copper Meadows Provides Ample Learning Opportunity for West Coast Riders at Annual Fundraiser Event

By US Equestrian Press Release on May 23, 2021 10:30 am -

Photo via Copper Meadows Eventing on Facebook.

Copper Meadows Eventing will host their 2nd annual Fundraising event June 5-6, 2021. The Copper Meadows Fundraiser was a great success in 2019, and we look forward to an even bigger event this summer. All funds raised to go improvements to our facilities, cross country course, and both our recognized and unrecognized events: 2019 funds allowed for Copper to add footing to our main dressage competition arena, as well as the warmup, and we added a bank to our show jumping warm up arena to benefit our derbies! Join us with an All-Inclusive weekend pass, which gets riders access to unlimited judged dressage tests, show jumping rounds, and cross-country schooling, as well as a dinner June 5th with an impressive silent auction and live raffle.

Grand Prix dressage riders Terri Rocovich and Tiffany Silverman will be on site judging dressage tests June 5 and 6, respectively, with times spaced 8 minutes apart to allow for feedback after each test. There will be a long and a short court available, and the arena will be open to Eventing and USDF tests. Show jumping will run by level, with courses designed by FEI show jump designer Jose Nava. Cross-country will be show prepped: flowers, flags, and footing drug for schooling. Local trainers will be on site and available for help with schooling all weekend, please visit our website to see a list of trainers who are attending.

The All-Inclusive Pass is $350 for both days or $200 for one day; each option includes the Saturday night dinner catered by Nutmeg Cafe. Additional dinner tickets can be purchased for $20/each. Raffle tickets are 5 for $20, raffle ticket purchasers do not need to be onsite to win raffle items! We will broadcast the raffle live on Facebook: buy tickets via Venmo and tune in live to see what you win! Great silent auction items available for bid, including: An incredible riding, dining, and lodging package from Lavender & Olive, a Horse Trials entry to a future Copper Meadows recognized event, lessons from our area’s top coaches and riders, MMA lessons from a UFC Ultimate Fighter winning athlete, autographed collectibles from 5* eventers, and so much more.

Visit our website to download the Fundraiser entry form, payment via Venmo is accepted, as well as checks and credit cards, please contact Taren with questions: [email protected]; 858-610-1693; Venmo @Taren-Hoffos.

2021 MARS Bromont CCI Will Not Run

By US Equestrian Press Release on May 20, 2021 7:40 pm -

Photo by Leslie Threlkeld.

It is with great disappointment the Bromont Organizing Committee announces the cancellation of the MARS Bromont CCI planned for June 2 to 6, 2021.

For the past six month, the Bromont Organizing Committee has worked in close collaboration with local, provincial and federal government agencies to ensure running the MARS Bromont CCI is safe for all participants. Unfortunately, the current state of the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic would jeopardize this goal of guaranteed safety. It was therefore decided by the Public Health Agency of Canada, with full support from the Bromont Organizing Committee, that international travel should be restricted for this event, therefore necessitating its cancellation as per the FEI rules.

With vaccination rates across North America continuing to increase, the Bromont Organizing Committee is looking forward to hosting the FEI Eventing Nations Cup Bromont and Bromont CCI-S Three Day Event the weekend of August 13th to 15th at the iconic venue, Bromont Olympic Equestrian Park, site of the equestrian events of the 1976 Montreal Olympic Games. We will continue to cooperate fully with the appropriate government bodies to ensure these events operate safely and follow all COVID guidelines.

For those riders who have yet to experience competition at Bromont, you’re in for a treat. Derek Di Grazia of Carmel Valley, California, FEI cross-country course designer at Bromont since 2009 and the course designer for the Tokyo Olympic Games, will set a challenging track with the help of Canadian course builder Jay Hambly and his team, utilizing the spectacular hills and natural water features Bromont has to offer.

The Bromont Horse Trials are made possible in part through a contribution from Sport Canada. The Bromont organizing committee also wishes to thank the Government of Quebec, and the City of Bromont for their support.

About Bromont CCI

Bromont has featured top competitions for three decades, will be welcoming some of the best horse-and-rider combinations from all over world this August 13th to 15th at the FEI Eventing Nations Cup Bromont and Bromont CCI-S Three Day Event pending the authorization of Sports Canada. The venue is within easy driving distance of Montreal, Quebec and Burlington Vermont.

USEF COVID-19 Action Plan Update: Flexibility in a Rapidly Changing Environment

By US Equestrian Press Release on May 19, 2021 9:00 am -

Going forward, competitions must operate in accordance with state and local requirements. In the absence of state or local requirements, USEF recommends compliance with CDC guidelines. US Equestrian has issued this press release.

Dear US Equestrian members,

Thank you for your patience as competition organizers across the country are transitioning to new COVID-19 protocols resulting from recent updates to CDC guidelines and federal, state, and local regulations. Close on the heels of the CDC amendments last Thursday, several states and local jurisdictions have announced upcoming changes which will be enacted over the next few weeks. USEF also issued a communication on Friday, May 14, to quickly adjust face-covering/mask requirements for fully vaccinated individuals, pending a full update to the COVID-19 Action Plan.

Effective today, we have released a new edition of the USEF COVID-19 Action Plan for Licensed Competitions, which has been updated to provide increased flexibility in a rapidly changing environment. Going forward, competitions must operate in accordance with state and local requirements. In the absence of state or local requirements, USEF recommends compliance with CDC guidelines. In an effort to mitigate the risk of spreading COVID-19, competition organizers can impose more restrictive requirements if they so choose.

With these changes come the heightened need for personal responsibility and continuation of the exemplary effort by our community to reduce the effects of the pandemic and keep our sport operating.

Three critical things to remember as we go forward:

Competition organizers remain responsible for posting all COVID-19 requirements under which their competition will operate.
All persons attending USEF competitions are responsible for reviewing and complying with the COVID-19 requirements in effect at each competition. This is vital, as requirements may vary between competitions.
Individuals may choose to wear a face covering/mask even when not required. Anyone choosing to do so will not be penalized.

The last 15 months have challenged us all, but we have persevered. Equestrian sport was one of the first to resume operations last spring, and due to our community’s commitment and resolve, we were able to keep competitions going. Thank you to all of you who have dedicated yourselves to ensuring equestrian sport continues to thrive.

Be safe, enjoy your horses, and please be patient as competition organizers make adjustments based on the new edition of the USEF COVID-19 Action Plan.

CDC Announcement & Update to USEF COVID-19 Action Plan for Fully-Vaccinated Participants

By US Equestrian Press Release on May 15, 2021 10:00 am -

Oliver Townend and MHS King Joules. Photo by Tilly Berendt.

On Friday US Equestrian announced an update to its USEF COVID-19 Action Plan:

Yesterday, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) announced that anyone who is fully vaccinated against COVID-19 can participate in indoor and outdoor activities, large or small, without wearing a face covering/mask or physically distancing. An individual is considered to be fully vaccinated two weeks after their second dose in a two-dose series (Pfizer, Moderna, etc.), or two weeks after a single-dose vaccine (Johnson & Johnson). If you have not been vaccinated yet, and are looking for a place to do so, click to find a vaccine.

Based on this very encouraging news and the rapidly changing guidance from national health authorities, effective immediately, USEF is amending the COVID-19 Action Plan to align with the CDC announcement. At a minimum, competition organizers and all persons at USEF-licensed competitions are required to follow state and local regulations for face coverings/masks and social distancing. In the absence of state and local regulations, USEF recommends compliance with the CDC guidelines. Competition organizers are able to impose stricter requirements at their discretion.

Personal responsibility is essential, as competition organizers are not required to verify vaccination status. Let’s all continue to act responsibly and keep our sport open, and our nation moving forward in a positive manner.

A few reminders as we move forward:

• Be patient with and respectful of competition organizers, competition staff, and licensed officials as competitions transition to this new protocol. Adjustments may not be immediate and competition organizers are able to impose stricter requirements at their discretion.
• Competition organizers must post and communicate to competition staff, competitors, officials and spectators the COVID requirements under which their competition will operate.
• Anyone who is not fully vaccinated must exercise personal responsibility and wear a face covering/mask wearing and continue to practice social distancing and frequent hand washing.

We would like to acknowledge and thank our members, competition organizers and their staff, licensed officials, the USEF staff, and the entire equestrian community who effectively implemented the COVID-19 Action Plan over the past year, helping to ensure a safe environment for competitions and participants.

A fully updated version of the USEF COVID-19 Action Plan will be posted to the USEF website no later than close of business on Tuesday, May 18.

Saturday Is the Last Day to Apply for the ‘Ever So Sweet’ Diversity Scholarship

By US Equestrian Press Release on May 14, 2021 11:00 am -

The Ever So Sweet Scholarship is an excellent opportunity for diverse equestrians to train with top riders. Photo by Kimberly Loushin.

Strides for Equality Equestrians (SEE) and the United States Eventing Association Foundation are proud to announce the formation of the Ever So Sweet Scholarship. The scholarship, which is the first of its kind, provides a fully-funded opportunity for riders from diverse backgrounds to train with upper-level professionals. The last day to apply is tomorrow, May 14, so be sure to get those applications in ASAP!

Edy Rameika, Sara Kozumplik Murphy, and Brian Murphy will provide bi-annual sponsored internships for riders to train with Sara and Brian. Beginning in summer 2021, scholarship recipients will receive funding to immerse themselves in a high-performance training program with Brian and Sara at Overlook Farm Equestrian Center in Berryville, VA for three months. During the winter, the scholarship will provide two months of training with Sara and Brian in Florida. The scholarship will cover expenses for full board and training costs for the horse, several lessons per week, housing for the rider, a stipend to cover living expenses, competition fees, and coaching at competitions. Participants will learn to manage, care for, and compete horses in an immersive program and will have the opportunity to work as part of the team in all aspects of running a large, competitive barn.

Riders will also make professional connections that would otherwise be unattainable and play an active role in fostering a more inclusive environment within the sport. “I’ve had to overcome many challenges in my life as an upper-level event rider, but I never had the challenge of feeling like the sport wasn’t easily available to me. This scholarship allows access for those that currently don’t have a clear pathway to fight for their dreams,” Sara said when explaining why they decided to offer the opportunity. The Ever So Sweet scholarship is an important first step toward increasing diversity and inclusion in equestrian sports.

Edy shares the passion for providing opportunities for deserving riders, “Our family loves horses and the sport of eventing. My daughters, Roxanne and Nadine, began riding when they were quite young. They rode and competed through high school, and Roxanne continued into her college career. We are very fortunate. But there are students in underserved communities who have the passion and talent for the sport but perhaps not the means. Roxanne passed away in 2017 but her passion lives on through her family. Nadine, Sara, and I want to honor Roxanne and Nadine’s Native American heritage and their love of eventing through this scholarship in the hopes of helping to keep others’ dreams alive. ‘Ever So Sweet‘ is a song that was beloved to Roxanne and Nadine, especially during those memorable years of riding.”

Riders who are at least 17 years old, have access to an appropriate horse, and are committed to promoting access and inclusion in horse sports are invited to apply. Strides for Equality Equestrians also welcomes inquiries for more information about the scholarship and/or application process.

The scholarship application is available on SEE’s website here.

Strides for Equality Equestrians (SEE), founded in 2020 as an allyship program for the equestrian community, seeks to address the lack of racial and ethnic diversity in equestrian sports. SEE promotes a more inclusive culture by listening to and addressing the concerns of Black, Indigenous, and people of color within the community while educating equestrians about effective allyship. For more information, please visit www.stridesforequality.org.

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